Igloo

Igloo, shelter or hunting ground dwelling for the Canadian Eskimos. Traditionally made of snow, sod, or stone, the best-known igloo was made of hard-packed snow cut into blocks from 2 to 3 ft (61 to 91 cm) long and 1 to 2 ft (30 to 61 cm) wide. After a first row of these blocks were laid down in a circle, the top surfaces of the blocks were shaved off in a sloping angle to form the first rung of a spiral. Additional blocks were added to draw it inward in a dome shape. One hole was left in the top for ventilation, and the igloo was kept warm mainly by a sealskin flap fit over the main entrance and seal oil lamps. Prefabricated houses have replaced igloos.

See also: Eskimo.